Finite element analysis of three designs of an implant-supported molar crown

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Finite element analysis of three designs of an implant-supported molar crown
November 2004 ǃ¢ Volume 92 ǃ¢ Number 5
Allahyar Geramy, DDS, MSc a
Steven M. Morgano, DMDb
Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
Abstract
Statement of problem The optimal method of implant support for a single mandibular molar crown is controversial because commonly used, threaded, root-form implants developed by Branemark were not originally designed to support individual crowns.
Purpose The purpose of this study was to develop a finite element model of a single mandibular first molar crown supported by (1) a standard 3.75-mmǃÏdiameter implant, (2) a 5-mm, wide-diameter implant, and (3) double standard-diameter implants, and to compare the induced displacements as a result of various loading conditions.
Material and methods Three-dimensional finite element models were made to simulate the 3 single-molar implant designs. Each model was analyzed with 2 force magnitudes (35 N and 70 N) and with 2 force directions (vertical and 15 degrees to the vertical axis). Displacements in 3-dimensional space as a result of the simulated loading conditions were evaluated along 3 primary axes, mesiodistal, faciolingual, and superior-inferior.
Results Mesiodistal and buccolingual displacements for the crown supported by the 5-mmǃÏdiameter implant were reduced by approximately 50% compared with the crown supported by the 3.75-mm implant when the crowns were loaded at the distobuccal cusp tip or the distal marginal ridge. The double-implant design recorded the least mesiodistal displacement with off-center loading of the crown.
Conclusion When the crown was loaded off-center, the double-implant design produced substantially less displacement when compared with either of the single-implant designs.
Publishing and Reprint Information
aAssistant Professor, Orthodontic Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, and Assistant Professor, Dental Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
bProfessor, Department of Restorative Sciences and Biomaterials, and Director, Division of Postdoctoral Prosthodontics, Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine.
*Reprint requests to: Dr Steven M. Morgano Division of Postdoctoral Prosthodontics Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine 100 East Newton Street, Room G219 Boston, MA 02118-2392 Fax: (617) 638-5434
Email address: smorgano@bu.edu (Steven M. Morgano)
Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Mass
Copyright ¨© 2004 by The Editorial Council of The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2004.08.011
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